Chrysler Counting on Canada

Of all the Amurrican manufacturers, it could be argued that Chrysler has the least competitive portfiolio save for the Caravan and the Ram. Ford and GM have recently stepped up their game and we’re patiently awaiting for Chrysler to do the same.

We have high hopes for the brand now that Fiat is at the helm, especially since they have promised to bring over the adorible and highly entertaining Fiat 500 to our shores.

But Fiat is apparently really depending on us Canadians specifically to help give Chrysler their boost.

Counter to our neighbours down south, we Canucks love small cars, and we love our small hatchbacks even more. As a result, the sub compact segment here is expected to be the top segment to compete in, and there is definitely some tough competition from already established players like the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. Ford will throw the Fiesta and Mazda2 into the fray very soon, Volkswagen is strongly toying with bringing the Polo over, and GM is promising that the new Aveo will be nothing like the old one (meaning it will actually be a decent car).

Therefore the Fiat 500 is imperitive for Chrysler.

The 500 was one of the most popular cars showcased at this year’s Toronto Auto Show, and Chrysler smells a winner by bringing it over.

“Chrysler Group LLC’s alliance with Italy-based Fiat Auto SpA likely spells payoff for the Pentastar company’s Canadian-market sales,” said Reid Bigland, Chrysler Canada’s CEO. If the 500 does well, it will set good precedent to bring over other Fiat models to Canada.

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The Beijing Motor Show is well under way, and Honda is showing off a new concept slated for the Chinese market. Called the Li Nian Everus, the car is the fruit of a partnership between the Japanese automaker and its Chinese partner, Guangqi Honda Automobile. We don’t have too many details on the sedan other than the fact that at this point, it’s nothing more than a concept. Judging by the renderings, we’re tempted to guess this thing has more than a little Civic DNA swimming around in its blood stream, though it looks like Honda raided the Acura design department for the car’s less-than-traditional nose and rear-end.